Event Operations Manager

About the role

The University of Virginia's Department of Parking & Transportation is seeking an Event Operations Manager to lead the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of parking and transportation services for university events and operational initiatives. University events encompass a wide range of programs, including athletic events, Final Exercises, student move-in and move-out, conferences, workshops, and student and alumni functions. This position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and staff management to ensure exceptional customer service and successful event outcomes.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and supervise event operations staff, including coordinating daily activities, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring performance.
• Provide guidance, training, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Develop and implement operational procedures, best practices, and service standards for event parking and transportation operations.
• Support workforce scheduling and staffing plans to ensure adequate coverage for events, including evenings and weekends.

Event Planning & Operations

• Manage all aspects of event parking and transportation logistics from planning through post-event assessment.
• Collaborate with university departments, event organizers, athletics, student affairs, facilities management, and external partners to develop and execute event transportation plans.
• Oversee event setup, implementation, monitoring, and post-event evaluations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex operational issues and event-related concerns.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Relations

• Foster positive relationships with university stakeholders, customers, and community members.
• Respond to escalated customer inquiries, concerns, and service issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Analyze operational challenges and recommend solutions to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain effective communication strategies related to event parking and transportation services.

Parking Programs & Technology Management

• Evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative parking and mobility solutions that support evolving campus needs.
• Research emerging parking technologies, payment systems, and transportation innovations.
• Present business cases and implementation plans for new parking initiatives and technology enhancements.
• Oversee associated billing, vendor coordination, maintenance, and ongoing program administration.
• Monitor program effectiveness and recommend operational improvements based on data and customer feedback.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare operational reports, performance metrics, and recommendations for leadership.
• Assist with departmental strategic planning and special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Event Management, Transportation, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• Four years of event operations, parking and transportation, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience managing complex projects, events, or operational programs.
• Licensure: VA Commercial Driver's License Type A or B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements and positive point balance is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making in dynamic environments.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Knowledge of parking management systems, transportation operations, and technology-based payment solutions.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to work flexible and changing schedules, including nights, weekends, and special events.

Pay

Anticipated Hiring Range: $65,000 - 80,000 annually

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.